rural

Youth Futures - Work for the Dole

Youth Futures hosts Social Enterprise based Work for the Dole activities. The program is hosted over a number of sites which provide real and simulated workplace environments allowing participants to learn and experience a range of transferrable soft and hard skills. Our program is aimed at people experiencing barriers to employment and allow for them to develop work skills in a supportive environment. There are also often opportunities for short term casual and seasonal work in real workplaces.

Real World Agri-business Training

Youth Futures' Rural Skills Training Program develops industry relevant agri-business skills and experience. The Programs are tailored to the individual needs of the group requiring training. Units are selected and put together through careful consultation with the employer/industry depending on the required skill outcome. The training involves lots of 'hands on' practical experience and takes place on numerous working locations around Northern Tasmania; primarily Entally Estate Vineyard and grounds. The Youth Futures Rural Skills program also has significant contacts in the agri-business industry and opportunites for casual, seasonal and long term employment so occur.

Entally Estate is a historic homestead, outbuilding, garden and grounds near Hadspen (Northern Tasmania), 15 minutes drive from Launceston. The homestead was built in 1819 by Thomas Haydock Reibey (eldest son of Mary Reibey - featured on the Australian $20 note). The Estate consists of Entally House and historic buildings including Australia's oldest Conservatory, Chapel, Stables, Carriage House and Farmyard. The property is owned by the Tasmanian State Government and currently managed by Parks and Wildlife Tasmania.

Operational Vineyard
In 2004, the previous property manager - Gunns Ltd - planted out 3 hectares of the grounds in Pinot Noir wine grape vines. As of 2010 this vineyard has being managed by Youth Futures. Most of the labour for the vineyard is provided during training programs and by volunteers (mostly staff and clients of Youth Futures). Machinery and tools have been purchased using a combination of State and Federal funding, community funding, the modest proceeds of the sale of grapes and the generous support of business.

Employment Service

Youth Futures Employment Service (formerly known as Accessing Opportunities - AO) is an employment placement service - similar in many respects to a job network agency. We do not directly employ people but we do work closely with a number of employers including Tony Storey Silvacuture (a Launceston based Labour Hire operator). We also have a close working relationship with a number of Job Services Australia providers (JSAs). Through our RTO (Registered Training Organisation) we also offer an entry point to increase your skills, specifically those directly related to employment.